Folding door



D- S. HARRIS Oct. 15, 1968 FOLDING DOOR 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed May 17. 1966 F lG-I INVENTOR. DONALD S. HARRIS ATTORNEYS D. S. HARRIS Oct. 15, 1968 FOLDING DOOR 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed May 17. 1966 United States Patent 0 3,405,756 FGLDING DGOR Donald S. Harris, New Castle, ind, assignor to New Castie Products, Inc., New Castle, ind, a corporation of lndiana Filed May 17, 1956, Ser. No. 559,864 7 Claims. (Cl. 160-229) ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLGSURE A metal security folding series of panels in which extruded panel sections are formed with pairs of flanges along each vertical edge, individual tubular hinge sections are formed with mating flanges which are interfitted within the panel flanges and which form a substantial continuous hing when interfitted with corresponding hinge sections of an adjacent panel, camming set screws received within the panel flanges and wedging in hinge relation to the flanges for retaining the hinge sections on the panels, and shouldered symmetrical hinge pins received in adjacent tubular hinge sections.

Background of the invention This invention relates to partitions and folding doors and more particularly to improved folding panel assemblies and hinges therefor.

In many cases where folding partitions, folding doors and other room dividers are used or would be desirable, there is a requirement for low-cost and light-weight units which are essentially light tight and tamper proof. Such folding panel units are desired where privacy is essential or where a folding partition is used to close off a portion of a public structure or building for security and fire prevention reasons. For example, such requirements exist in folding closures for news stands, under counters, or other similar functions in public buildings, such as bus stations, air terminals and the like where it is desired to close off a portion of the building with a foldable panel construction that provides security to the portion closed while presenting a pleasing and attractive appearance.

Summary of the invention The invention includes a folding panel construction with an improved hinge and panel connection particularly adapted for rigid or metal partitions. The security type hinge connection is formed essentially of metal and forms a light tight pivotal connection between adjacent panels.

The hinge sections have flanges which are received within flanges formed on the panels and which may be locked by camming devices, such as set screws. Shouldered hinge pins are received between adjacent hinge sections providing pivotal movement of the panels and serving to prevent scufiing contact between the panels and the hinge sections. The resulting panel is attractive in appearance and low in construction cost, and eliminates the usual flexible vinyl stripping which has been frequently employed between adjacent panel members in this general type of construction.

A primary object of the present invention is to provide a folding panel construction and a novel hinge construction therefor which are particularly adaptable for rigid paneled or all metal partitions.

Another object of this invention is the provision, in a folding door, of a security-type hinge which consists essentially of metal parts and which forms a light-tight pivotal connection between adjacent panels.

A more specific object of this invention is the provision of a hinge construction for folding partitions consisting of essentially rigid panels such as of extruded plastic or metal, in which tubular inter-fitting hinge parts are received within mating flanges formed on the panels, and in which shouldered pins are received to permit pivotal movement and assure alignment between adjacent tubular hinge portions and to prevent metal-to-metal scufling or rubbing contact during the opening and closing of the partition.

A further object of this invention is the provision of a folding partition and hinge construction which is low in cost, attractive in appearance, and which eliminates the usual flexible vinyl stripping formerly employed between adjacent panel members.

A still further object of the present invention is the provision of a folding door or assembly of rigid panels in which the extended and retracted positions of the panels are defined by abutments formed on the individual panel sections, and in which metal hinge parts are lockingly received within their respective panels and have tubular hinge portions which are supported in interlocking manner on hinge pin bushings.

Another object of this invention is the provision of a folding partition in which a plurality of extruded panels are formed with forwardly and rearwardly facing slot-like openings along their respective vertical edges for receiving an essentially continuous hinge arrangement.

A further object of this invention is the provision, in a folding partition, of an essentially all-metal continuous hinge construction for connecting the vertical edges of adjacent panels, which is characterized by its ease of fabrication and assembly in the field, and which is essentially tamper-proof after assembly.

These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following description, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is an elevational view of a folding panel assembly constructed according to this invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an upper end portion of a panel and trolley;

FlG. 3 is a plan view looking down on a folding panel assembly constructed according to this invention showing the parts in the retracted position;

FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 3, partially broken away, and on a slightly smaller scale, showing the assembly of FIG. 3 in the extended position;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary plan view, partially broken away, and with the lead post hardware removed taken generally along the line 55 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged end view of the hinge construction joining two adjacent panels;

PEG. 7 is a vertical fragmentary section through the interconnecting hinge parts taken generally along the line 77 of FIG. 6, showing one of the hinge pins and the set screws in elevation; and

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a portion of one of the interlocking hinge portions of this invention;

Referring to the figures of the drawings which illustrate a preferred embodiment of the invention, a folding partition constructed according to this invention is shown generally at it in FIG. 1 as comprising a plurality of planklike, generally vertically-extending panels 12 which are serially connected along their vertical edges and which are supported in an overhead track 15 for movement between a retracted position, as shown in FIG. 3, and an extended position shown in FIG. 4. The partition 10 further includes a lead post 13 which is suitably mounted for traversing movement in the track 15, and a trail post 19 which may be fixedly mounted to one of the vertical surfaces of a wall or other suitable prepared opening. Alternate ones of the panels 12 may be supported on trolleys 22 (FIG. 3) within the track 15, while adjacent panels are supported by means of their hinge connections to a trolley supported panel.

With further reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, the partition 10 may be made up of a plurality of the panels 12 suflicient to extend across the width of the opening. For the purpose of illustrating the preferred embodiment of the invention, there are shown in FIG. 3 four full-sized intermediate panels 12 and two one-half Width panels 12a and 12b joining, respectively, with the lead post 18 and the trail post 19. Each of the panels 12, 12a and 12b may be identical in construction, with the intermediate panels 12 being of uniform width and the end panels 12a and 12b being of identical width, and approximately one-half that of the full-sized panels.

The panels 12 (including 12a and 1215) are preferably formed exclusively of metal although they may be formed of essentially rigid plastics and the like. For example, they may be formed of extruded aluminum and cut to a desired uniform length corresponding to the height of the opening to be closed. When thus formed, these panels may be suitably colored or treated, as by anodizing or may be left in their natural condition. Also, the panels 12 may, if desired, be formed of other metals such as steel. The latter may be of particular advantage where strength and durability a-re of primary importance. Aluminum is preferred where weight is a consideration, and provides a lightweight and relatively low-cost partition.

Referring further to FIG. 3, the panels 12 are each formed with an intermediate plank-like section and continuous opposite vertical edges 26. The intermediate section 25 may be formed smooth, or it may be formed as a series of vertical planar sections interconnected at an angle with each other to form a zig-zag pattern. The latter imparts to the partition 10 a pleasing drapery-like appearance.

Each panel 12 is further formed with means defining a slot (FIG. 2) extending along each of the respective vertical panel edges 26. The slots 30 are formed in the panel 12 by means of pairs of vertically continuous spaced-apart flanges 33 and 34 (FIG. 6) which are formed integrally with the section 25. The flanges 33 and 34, when viewed in vertical section, or when viewed at the end of the panel, form with the panel 12 a configuration which resembles the letter C. It will be noted that the flanges 33 and 34 at one of the vertical panel edges are oriented to define the slot 30 as opening away from one side of the panel 12, and the corresponding flanges 33 and 34 at the opposite vertical edge form a corresponding slot 30 which opens away from the opposite side of the panel. While it is preferred that the flanges 33 and 34, on any given panel 12, form the slot-like openings which face generally in opposite directions at right angles to the panel center section as shown, the actual angle the panel center section forms with the slots may be varied within wide limitations, to achieve the desired result of a continuous assembly of panels 12 free of air gaps and protruding hinge parts in the extended position.

The terminal ends of the flanges 33 and 34 are formed with vertically continuous inwardly turned abutments or ledges 35 and 36, thereby defining an opening space inwardly of the flanges which is somewhat wider than the slot 30 therebetween. The panel flanges are accordingly proportioned to receive therein the mating or cooperating flanges 41 and 42 of vertically-extending 'hinge sections 45. As shown in FIG. 8, the hinge sections 45 are preferably formed as an aluminum extrusion, and have a generally tubular or hollow outer portion 46 integral with the flanges 41 and 42.

The hinge section flanges 41 and 42 form the support portion of the hinge sections, and are spaced apart generally parallel to each other a distance which is slightly less than the spaced apart distance between the panel a'butments 35 and 36 so as to fit loosely therebetween when inserted from the top or the bottom of one of the panels 12. The hinge section flanges 41 and 42 are each formed with an outwardly extending abutment 48. These abutments 48 bear against the inner surfaces of the panel ledges 35 and 36, as shown in enlarged detail in FIG. 6.

Each of the vertical edges 26 of each of the panels 12 is provided with a plurality of the generally tubular hinge sections 45. The hinge sections may be formed in any convenient length, such as 12 to 18 inches, and are spaced by an equal amount, and are thus proportioned to be in axial alignment with corresponding hinge sections on adjacent panels and form, when thus aligned, a substantially vertically continuous row of binge tubular portions 46.

Means received in the axially aligned and transversely interfitting hinge sections 45, for supporting adjacent panels for pivotal movement, include a plurality of hinge pins 54), one of such pins being shown in elevation in FIG. 7. One of the hinge pins 50 is received between each of the vertically aligned open ends of the tubular portions 46. The pin 50 includes opposite ends 53 and 54 of reduced diameter proportioned to be received within the generally circular opening formed in the hinge section 45 forming a relatively close fit therewith. Also each pin 50 is formed with a centrally-positioned annular shoulder 55 midway between the ends 53 and 54. The shoulder 55 defines a load transmitting abutment between the axially aligned terminal ends of the respective hinge sections 45, and has a diameter which is at least greater than the inside diameter of the tubular portion 46, and preferably exceeds the outside diameter of the tubular portion 46 by a small amount. In this manner, the outer surface 56 of the shoulder 55 is in peripheral abutment with the adjacent edges of the panel flanges 33 and 34 and accordingly prevents rubbing or scufling contact between the hinge sections 45 and the panels, and minimizes the possibility of the panel finish becoming marred at the pivotal connections. Accordingly, the outer surface 56 of the shoulder 55 provides means for assuring that a small space 57 exists between the hinge section on one panel and the flanges 33 and 34 of the adjacent connected panel.

The pins 56 are preferably formed of molded nylon, although other low-friction resins may be employed. In instances Where a completely metallic fire-proof construction is desired, the pins 50 may be made of metal.

Means for retaining the hinge sections 15 in predetermined aligned position on the panels and for causing the hinge flanges 41, 42 to grip the flanges 33, 34 of their respective panels include set screws 70 which are proportioned to be received between the inner ends of the flanges 41 and 42, and the opposite inside surface of the panel 12, as shown in FIG. 6. For this purpose, the panels 12 may be formed with an inwardly formed protuberance which engages the threads of the set screws 70. The set screw 70 thus makes 3-point contact between the protuberance 73 and the hinge section flanges 41 and 42 as it is inserted from the vertical ends of the panels 12, and causes the flanges 41 and 42 to be wedged apart into gripping relation with the panel flanges 33 and 34. Where the panels 12 are aluminum extrusions, the threads of the set screws 70 are self-tapping into the protuberances 73 and into the marginal edges of the hinge section flanges, thereby securely locking the associated hinge section with its panel.

For convenience of assembly, there may be formed on the trolley-supported panels, short two-inch hinge sections 45a at the top and at the bottom edges of the panel. These short sections are then suitably secured by set screws 70 as shown in FIG. 7, and permit access, such as by an Allen wrench, similarly to lock the next adjacent full-sized hinge section 45 on the adjacent panels. The locking arrangement has been found to be effective to eliminate the need for similarly locking the intermediate hinge sections 45 between the uppermost and lowermost such sections on any given panel.

The half-width lead and trail panels and 12b may be respectively pivotally connected to the lead and trail posts by means of an adapter 80. The adapter 80 is formed with outer support portions 82 and 83 which are propor tioned to be received within the side walls of the posts 18 or 19 and secured in place by metal screws 85. The adapter is formed with spaced wall members 86 and 87 defining therebetween an elongated vertical slot 90 similar in width to the slot formed between the panel flanges 33 and 34. The slot 90 is accordingly proportioned to receive the flanges 41 and 42 of hinge sections 45 in the same manner as the corresponding parts of the panels 12. Similarly, a set screw 70 may be employed for retaining the upper and lowermost of the hinge sections in the adapter 80.

It will therefore be seen that this invention provides a folded partition and hinge arrangement which is vertically continuous, free of air gaps and openings, secure from tampering, and pleasing in appearance. The outer surfaces 92 (see FIG. 3) of the panel flanges 34 provide flat abutments which are proportioned to engage with corresponding abutments on the adjacent panels when the panels are extended thereby defining an angular partially folded condition in the fully extended position, as shown in FIG. 4. The abutments 92 assure that the center of each hinge is always offset from one side or the other with respect to the center of the track, so that the panels always move easily and readily into the folded position. Also, the abutting adjacent vertical surfaces 92 serve completely to conceal alternate hinge mechanisms, with the partition extended. The intermediate hinge mechanisms present an essentially smooth and rounded and pleasing appearance, as shown in FIG. 1.

Also, when the panels are extended to the closed position, the hinge construction is one which is free of accessible or readily loosened parts. In fact, the hinge mechanism has its greatest strength at the regions of attachment by the set screws 70 and at the regions of interconnection by the hinge pins 50. In these regions, severe damage and deformation of the parts would be required before the panels could be separated, as with a prying tool or the like.

The invention accordingly provides a folding partition and hinge construction in which metal-to-metal contact between the adjacent panels, during pivotal movement, is avoided, since the pivotal structure is positively spaced both vertically and laterally by the pin shoulders 55. The locking arrangement using the set screw 70 making essentially multi-point contact and wedging contact to expand the hinge section flanges into locking engagement with the associated panel or adapter permits the use of relatively low-cost extrusions with relatively wide tolerances. The self-tapping characteristic of the locking set screw 70 eliminates the need for specially prepared or tapped openings. The continuous or substantially continuous metal hinge portions eliminate the use of vinyl or other similar flexible materials at the hinge which can be easily cut or split, and which are frequently diflicult to attach securely to the respective panels during conditions of rough usage.

While the form of apparatus herein described constitutes a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to this precise form of apparatus, and that changes may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention which is defined in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. A tamper-proof folding panel assembly comprising a plurality of generally vertically extending rigid panels having front and back surfaces, means in each of said panels defining slots extending along the vertical edges thereof with one of said slots opening from said front surface and the other of said slots opening from said back surface, means pivotally supporting a plurality of said panels in edge-to-edge relationship for movement between a folded position in which said panels are stacked side-by-side in an extended position, including a plurality of vertically spaced-apart hinged sections for each of said panels, each of said hinge sections having a tubular portion received outwardly of an associated said panel slot and a support portion received within said slot, with said tubular portions being adapted to be interfitted together with corresponding said sections of a next adjacent said panel forming an essentially vertically continuous row of said hinge sections, hinge pin means received between adjacent said aligned tubular portions providing for pivotal movement of said panels, said support portions being formed with outwardly-directed spaced-apart flanges proportioned to be received in interfitting relation within said panel slots, and set screw means received in said slots in cam-ming relation with said panel and with said flanges locking said hinge sections to an associated said panel.

2. The panel assembly of claim 1 in which said panel vertical edges have means forming abutments limiting the extent of pivotal movement in the extended position to maintain the panels in a partially folded condition to assure proper retracting movement thereof.

3. A folding panel and hinge combination comprising a plurality of generally vertically extending plank'like panel members having at each vertical edge thereof a pair of essentially vertically continuous flanges defining a slot therebetween, a hinge for pivotally connecting together adjacent said panel at adjacent said vertical edges including a plurality of generally tubular hinge portions, said hinge tubular portions having integral, spaced-apart flanges received in interlocking relation with said panel flanges in the space between said panel flanges, said hinge portions being movable vertically on their respective said panels with the tubular portions thereof projecting outwardly of said panels for interfitting axial alignment with similar said portions on the next adjacent panel, pin means positioned between the said aligned ends of said tubular portions and having an annular shoulder received between the end of one of said tubular portions and the aligned end of an adjacent said portion on an adjacent panel, and means securing at least one of said hinge portions to the associated panel by wedging said hinge portion flanges apart from each other and into frictional interlocking relationship iwth said panel flanges.

4. The combination of claim 3 in which said shoulder is formed with a diameter greater than that of said tubular portions in peripheral abutment with the adjacent said panel flanges defining a clearance space between the adjacent said panel flanges and said hinge tubular portion.

5. The combination of claim 4 in which said pin means is formed of a low friction plastic material.

6. An essentially all-metal, tamper proof folding panel assembly comprising a plurality of generally vertically extending extruded aluminum panels, means in each of said panels defining vertically continuous slots extending along each of the vertical edges thereof, means pivotally supporting a plurality of said panels in edge-to-edge relationship for movement between a folded position in which said panels are stacked side-by-side and an extended position including a plurality of extruded aluminum hinge sections for each of said panels, each of said hinge sections having a tubular portion received outwardly of said slot and a pair of flanges received in said slot, nylon hinge pins received between adjacent tubular portions of said panels aligning said tubular portions in one panel with corresponding said tubular portions in the next adjacent panel to form an essentially vertical continuous row of said tubular portions and providing for said pivotal movement of said panels, and said hinge pins having a shoulder received between the axially aligned ends of said hinge section tubular portions.

7. The assembly of claim 6 further comprising set screws received in said panel slots in wedging engagement with said hinge section flanges forcing said hinge section flanges into locking engagement with said panel flanges.

efercuces on feliewing page) References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS FOREIGN PATENTS 1,155,299 11/1957 France.

Apel 160-229 X Adler et a1 16169 DA ID P mde 229 X 5 V J. WILLIAMOWSKY, Pllmmy Exammen Harris 160-231 X PETER M. CAUN, Assistant Examiner. Hiatt 160-229 X 

